Saint Valentine School

In Focus on Living, the focus is Christian morality and in particular, how Jesus shows us the way to live His Law of Love. Topics include God's call to life in the Church, rules for Christian living, the example of Jesus, and the sacraments.

Continuing with the same series of magazine-style units used in previous years, students explore place value, fractions, addition and subtraction of larger numbers, multiplication and division of two- and three-digit numbers, organizing and using data, geometry, problem-solving, and using calculators.

In fourth grade, students review phonics, expand their vocabulary, and improve their ability to read for comprehension. Selected Reading Activities (SRA) promote the enjoyment of reading at individual rates. In addition, students learn to make the best use of the library and other reference tools. They also advance their listening, speaking, and writing skills.

Fourth graders apply their knowledge of the English language and demonstrate their grasp of grammar by writing personal narratives, comparisons and contrasts, letters, stories, and descriptive passages.

The music series begun in kindergarten and progressing through grade eight emphasizes rhythm, tone color, form, melody, harmony, listening, and music appreciation. During class, students enjoy singing, playing rhythm instruments and musical games, dancing, listening for enjoyment, and listening for analysis.

Children in fourth grade participate in the Spring Musical.

In the primary grades, the emphasis in gym is on rhythmical activities, including spatial awareness and exercises, tumbling, athletic skills, such as throwing, catching, kicking, and striking, and games like tag, relay, and ball games.

Using guidelines established by the Diocese of Pittsburgh, teachers show students what functions computers can and can not perform. Using this knowledge, students explore word processing and graphic capabilities and practice using the computer for language arts and math.

In fourth grade science, students investigate plants, animals, ecology, matter, energy, earth, space, and weather. In addition, students learn more about their bodies, from the many parts of their body to nutrition and hygiene.

The National Geographic Five Themes of Geography capture the attention of students in the fourth grade: regions, interactions with our environment, places, location, and movement, time lines and map skills, and people as resources. In addition, students examine U.S. and Pennsylvania history.

Students in fourth grade have the opportunity to participate in the Pizza Hut Book-It Program, Scouts, band, children's choir, basketball, and pep club.

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Page last updated on January 14, 2008
St Valentines - 2709 Mesta St - Bethel Park, PA 15102
"So Very Special"